There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, there are promising therapies that may slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and maintain a normal quality of life. Types of treatment include:

• Immune modulators. Patients with a relapsing-remitting course of the disease are often placed on an immune modulating therapy. This requires injection under the skin or in the muscle once or several times a week. It may be in the form of interferon (such as Avonex, Betaseron, or Rebif) or another medicine called glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). They are all similar in their effectiveness and the decision on which to use depends on concerns about particular side effects.
• Steroids. Steroids are given to decrease the severity of attacks when they occur. These shut the immune system down to stop cells from causing inflammation.
• Lioresal (Baclofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), or a benzodiazepine may be used to reduce muscle spasticity.
• Cholinergic medications to reduce urinary problems.
• Antidepressants for mood or behavior symptoms.
• Amantadine for fatigue.
• Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and support groups can help improve the person's outlook, reduce depression, maximize function, and improve coping skills.
• Exercise. A planned exercise program early in the course of the disorder can help maintain muscle tone.

A healthy lifestyle is encouraged, including good general nutrition. Adequate rest and relaxation can help maintain energy levels. Attempts should be made to avoid fatigue, stress, temperature extremes, and illness to reduce factors that may trigger an MS attack.

For additional information, see multiple sclerosis resources.

The outcome is variable and unpredictable. Although the disorder is chronic and incurable, life expectancy can be normal or nearly so. Most people with MS continue to walk and function at work with minimal disability for 20 or more years.

The factors felt to best predict a relatively benign course are female gender, young age at onset (less than 30 years), infrequent attacks, a relapsing-remitting pattern, and low burden of disease on imaging studies.

The amount of disability and discomfort varies with the severity and frequency of attacks and the part of the central nervous system affected by each attack. Commonly, there is initially a return to normal or near-normal function between attacks. As the disorder progresses, there is progressive loss of function with less improvement between attacks.

• progressive disability
• urinary tract infections
• side effects of medications used to treat the disorder

Call your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of MS, as he or she is the only one who can distinguish multiple sclerosis from other serious disorders such as stroke or infection.

Call your health care provider if symptoms progressively worsen despite treatment.

Call your health care provider if the condition deteriorates to the point where home care is no longer possible.

Hafler DA. Multiple sclerosis. J Clin Invest. 2004 Mar 15; 113(6): 788-794.

Goetz, CG, ed. Multiple Sclerosis. In: Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. Saunders. Philadelphia, PA: 2003;1060-1076

National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at: http://www.nmss.org/. Accessed June 6, 2005.